An Amur leopard - thought to be one of the rarest species on the planet - has died after being hit by car in Russia's remote south east.

The animal was run over by a car in national park territory near the remote eastern village of Kravtsovka in Russia's Primorsky Krai region.

The driver of the Nissan Wingroad car hit the back of the leopard when he was unable to brake in time as it ran out in front of him.

The Amur leopard was killed after being struck by a car (pictured) in a national park in Russia's far south east. It was famous within Russia, having been nicknamed Meamour by Russian rock band Mumiy Troll

The carcass of the dead leopard is seen lying on the side of the road after having been struck by the vehicle and becoming wedged underneath it

A local police spokesman said: 'The wild animal unexpectedly jumped onto the road, which did not give the driver the chance to stop the vehicle.'

After the accident, the unnamed driver immediately informed authorities and told them that 'after hitting the car, the animal's body got wedged under the vehicle'.